3rd October 2021 - CFC Sunday Church Service | Don't Let Past Failures Discourage You - Zac Poonen
3rd October 2021 - CFC Sunday Church Service | Don't Let Past Failures Discourage You - Zac Poonen
Summary
The message encourages believers not to let past failures discourage them, drawing parallels between parental disappointment and God's desire for spiritual maturity. The core message is to press on toward perfection, maintaining the standard of faith already attained, rather than dwelling on past shortcomings. This requires a commitment to growth and maturity in the Christian life.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Pressing on to maturityJust as a loving father wants his children to grow up, God desires believers to mature and press on toward Christ-likeness rather than remaining childish.
Recognizing the seriousness of sinBelievers often treat sin lightly because it does not cost them financially like animal sacrifices did in the Old Testament, but the blood of Christ demands a radical view of sin.
There remains much land to be possessedJust as Israel had remaining land to conquer under Joshua, believers have unchartered areas of their lives where fleshly giants still rule that need to be brought under the Holy Spirit.
Taking the blame instead of acting like AdamTrue confession means taking the blame fully upon oneself rather than pointing fingers at a spouse or others, imitating Christ on the cross instead of Adam in the garden.
The evil heart of unbeliefTrusting in savings accounts and money rather than a loving heavenly father is an evil heart of unbelief that hinders spiritual progress.Hebrews 3:12
Why God allows the memory of past failuresGod allows thorns and the lasting memory of past stupidities to remain in our minds not to torture us, but to keep us humble and dependent on Him.
Forgetting what lies behind and looking to the finish lineBelievers must put a mental curtain behind them, refusing to live in crippling regret over past sins or lost earthly opportunities, and instead run forward toward Christ.
